The Gary Null Show

HEALTH NEWS   New study of 3000 adults connects symbolic immortality to stronger psychological well being Cold showers benefit the environment and your health MIND Diet Tied to Higher Cognitive Scores in Study of 8,681 Older Adults in China Low vitamin D more than doubles kidney patients’ risk of dialysis within a year Mushroom extract supplement linked to improved aerobic performance in male athletes   New study of 3000 adults connects symbolic immortality to stronger psychological well being Hebrew University of Jerusalem, November 2 2026 (News-Medical) What does it mean to feel that a part of us will live on after we are gone? A new study of nearly 3,000 adults found that people who believed they would be remembered by others after death tended to report better mental health, a stronger sense of meaning and lower levels of problematic substance use and addictive behaviors. The findings point to a possible link between our sense of lasting significance and the way we cope with stress, uncertainty and mortality. The study examined what psychologists call "symbolic immortality," the sense that some part of us will continue through our relationships, accomplishments, identity or legacy. Those with a stronger sense of symbolic immortality tended to report greater self-esteem, stronger social support, more meaning in life and more secure relationships. They also reported fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress, fewer sleep problems and fewer difficulties regulating their emotions. At its core, the idea is simple: people may fare better when they feel that their lives have meaning beyond the present moment. Importantly, the researchers distinguished symbolic immortality from belief in an afterlife. While the two were related, afterlife belief was closely tied to religiosity and belief in God and was not consistently associated with better mental health.    Cold showers benefit the environment and your health University of Basel (Switzerland), October 31 2026 (Eurekalert) A recent study explored whether people are more willing to adopt habits that benefit both the climate and their health if those habits are easy to incorporate into everyday life and offer personal rewards. This question was investigated by studying the effects of regular cold showers. The study included 719 participants aged 18 to 65 who were asked to take showers as cold as their shower would allow for 12 weeks. Many participants dropped out during the first two weeks, but the dropout rate declined afterward.  The remaining participants reported feeling increasingly better, both mentally and physically. Subjective improvements also showed up in their sick leave: On average, participants took 31% fewer sick days than the control group. Participants said they felt more awake and refreshed. They also took pride in having pushed themselves to do something uncomfortable.  Over time, taking cold showers saves you money. People tend to spend less time in the shower, reducing their water consumption. They also use less energy because the water doesn't need to be heated. That means lower utility bills and a measurable reduction in CO2 emissions. Over the 12-week study, participants reduced their CO2 emissions by 15 kilograms per person, roughly equivalent to the emissions from driving 100 kilometers. In other words, cold showers make sense both environmentally and financially.   MIND Diet Tied to Higher Cognitive Scores in Study of 8,681 Older Adults in China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China), November 3 2026 (Natural News)   Older adults who more closely followed the MIND diet tended to score higher on cognitive screening tests than those who did not, according to findings published in Frontiers in Nutrition. The analysis drew on data from 8,681 independently living older adults.   The MIND diet combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH eating patterns and is built around foods associated with brain health. Researchers reported no meaningful association between physical activity levels and cognitive scores in this sample. The analysis also found no evidence that physical activity altered the relationship between diet and cognition. The report noted that the finding does not indicate exercise is unimportant for brain health, only that this study did not detect a clear link in its sample. The eating pattern emphasizes leafy greens, other vegetables, berries, nuts, beans, whole grains, fish, and olive oil. It recommends limiting red meat, butter, cheese, fried foods, pastries, and sweets.    Low vitamin D more than doubles kidney patients’ risk of dialysis within a year I-Shou University (Taiwan), November 3 2026 (Natural News) Researchers publishing in Frontiers in Nutrition combed through records from more than 160 million patients across 140 healthcare organizations, matching 29,654 kidney disease patients who were vitamin D deficient against an identical number who had healthy levels. Within just one year, the deficient group faced a 2.24 times higher risk of major kidney events, including dialysis and full-blown kidney failure, and nearly double the risk of dying from any cause. Here’s the cruel irony: your kidneys are actually responsible for activating vitamin D in your body. They turn the vitamin’s storage form into the hormone your cells rely on. When kidney function starts to slip, that conversion falters. And when vitamin D levels drop, research suggests kidney damage accelerates. It’s a vicious feedback loop that pulls patients downward.   Among those with vitamin D below 20 ng/mL, there were 7.3 serious kidney events per 100 person-years. Among those with levels above 30 ng/mL, there were just 3.6.   Mushroom extract supplement linked to improved aerobic performance in male athletes Central University of Rajasthan (India), November 2 2026 (Antioxidants) The study found that a mushroom extract rich in beta-glucan, taken at 320 mg daily for 40 days, was associated with improved aerobic exercise measurements in 50 male athletes.  Their measured oxygen consumption, an important indicator of endurance and aerobic fitness, increased by approximately 12–15% after supplementation. Laboratory experiments also suggested that beta-glucan, taurine, and L-arginine may help protect heart muscle cells from some of the effects of oxygen deprivation and support cellular energy production.  The researchers also observed changes in several blood measurements, although body composition did not significantly change. 

Gary reads Part 4 of How to Recognize a Man 

HEALTH NEWS   Novel peptide from red alga shows potential for blood glucose control Experts Spent Decades Searching for the Secret to Happiness. Here’s What They Found The silent threat of sarcopenia: Why muscle loss demands immediate action Why permanent daylight saving time is a bad idea for health Adventurous play linked to better physical and mental health in children   Novel peptide from red alga shows potential for blood glucose control Hokkaido University (Japan), Oct 27 2026 (News-Medical) It is a dietary staple found in sushi, rice wraps, and ramen toppings. Commonly known as nori in Japan and gim in Korea, red seaweed is especially popular across Asia. Research lhas discovered that digestion of a particular red alga releases a peptide, or a small fragment of protein, with potential benefits for blood glucose control and diabetes prevention. The study was published in Food Bioscience. Researchers subjected this seaweed, known as dulse (Devaleraea inkyuleei), to an artificial digestion process in the laboratory, mimicking how it is digested in the human body. They found that a novel peptide called EVYR, made up of just four amino acids, is released during the process and could help regulate blood glucose levels. When we eat, our blood glucose level rises, prompting the pancreas to release insulin. Several proteins and enzymes are involved in this process. EVYR works by inhibiting an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), which breaks down hormones that stimulate insulin release. By inhibiting this enzyme, EVYR helps maintain the activity of the hormones and allows them to stimulate insulin release for longer. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the team also found that other red algae could also potentially release EVYR during digestion, based on comparisons of protein sequences across different species and computer simulations.   Experts Spent Decades Searching for the Secret to Happiness. Here’s What They Found Simon Fraser University (Canada), October 28, 2026 (SciTech Daily) Some of the world’s leading happiness researchers have changed how they live because of what they have discovered. After decades of studying well-being, several have made a conscious effort to spend more time with family and friends, reflecting one of the strongest findings in happiness science. Their insights come from a discussion involving 13 international experts with a combined 600 years of research experience. The key takeaways: Strong relationships are central to happiness. Social connections consistently emerge as powerful predictors of well-being. Several researchers have applied this finding by deliberately making more time for the people closest to them. More money does not guarantee greater happiness. Financial security helps support a good life, but additional income generally has a smaller effect on happiness once essential needs are met. Meaningful activities support well-being. Work and other pursuits can contribute to happiness when they provide purpose and reflect a person’s values. Daily habits can help cultivate happiness. Researchers described using strategies supported by scientific evidence, including practicing gratitude, savoring positive experiences, volunteering, strengthening relationships, and becoming more socially involved. Being happy does not mean always feeling good. Lasting well-being involves living according to personal values, building supportive connections, and adapting to difficulties rather than avoiding negative emotions altogether.   The silent threat of sarcopenia: Why muscle loss demands immediate action Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, October 28 2026 (Natural News)     A meta-analysis of 248 studies concluded that older adults may need to consume 0.4 to 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily to mitigate muscle loss or sarcopenia. For a 150-pound individual, this equates to 68–82 grams of protein. The review highlighted the role of leucine, an amino acid that stimulates muscle protein synthesis, and emphasized pairing protein intake with resistance training for optimal results. Meeting the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams per kilogram is no longer sufficient. Instead, older adults should aim for 1–1.2 grams per kilogram.   Strength training combined with adequate protein is most effective for muscle preservation.   Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased muscle loss risk. The review found that daily supplementation of 800 IU or more improved muscle function in deficient individuals.   Mediterranean-style diets show protective benefits against age-related muscle decline. These diets emphasize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and healthy fats like olive oil.   Why permanent daylight saving time is a bad idea for health New York University, October 29 2026 (Futurity) In July, the House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent. But research shows that daylight saving time doesn’t actually save energy or increase productivity. Instead, sleep researchers agree that daylight standard time is more aligned with our biology. The later sunrise of daylight saving time “leads to permanent disruption of our natural biological rhythms. We need morning sunlight to get us up and going. Switching the clock in the spring comes with its own issues, including an increase in car accidents and heart attacks in the week that follows. Changing clock times is not good for us, but the bill now in the Senate would lock Americans out of sync with the sun. A brighter winter evening is a poor trade for a darker, groggier, unhealthier winter morning.     Adventurous play linked to better physical and mental health in children University of Exeter (UK) & University of British Columbia, October 27 2026 (Medical Xpress) The biggest international study ever on risky play has found that children who have more opportunities for outdoor adventurous play tend to have better physical and mental health, as well as improved social and cognitive development. Their research found that when children have access to environments that support outdoor adventurous play, like creatively designed playgrounds and natural spaces, their health is better across these domains, too. The team also found that independent mobility (being able to go out without adult supervision) is good for children's levels of physical activity. Adventurous play—also referred to as risky play because children are allowed to take risks within certain boundaries—is thrilling, exciting play and includes examples such as riding a bike fast downhill, climbing a tree, paddling in a stream and play fighting. The categories defining adventurous/risky play are height, speed, getting lost, dangerous elements (water, fire, etc.), dangerous tools (e.g., using a hammer, whittling with a knife) and rough-and-tumble play. If we deny children the opportunity to engage in the sort of play that previous generations took for granted, we take away rich learning opportunities linked to children's health and development, ultimately affecting some of the key issues we see around us today.    

HEALTH NEWS   Novel peptide from red alga shows potential for blood glucose control Experts Spent Decades Searching for the Secret to Happiness. Here’s What They Found The silent threat of sarcopenia: Why muscle loss demands immediate action Why permanent daylight saving time is a bad idea for health Adventurous play linked to better physical and mental health in children   Novel peptide from red alga shows potential for blood glucose control Hokkaido University (Japan), Oct 27 2026 (News-Medical) It is a dietary staple found in sushi, rice wraps, and ramen toppings. Commonly known as nori in Japan and gim in Korea, red seaweed is especially popular across Asia. Research lhas discovered that digestion of a particular red alga releases a peptide, or a small fragment of protein, with potential benefits for blood glucose control and diabetes prevention. The study was published in Food Bioscience. Researchers subjected this seaweed, known as dulse (Devaleraea inkyuleei), to an artificial digestion process in the laboratory, mimicking how it is digested in the human body. They found that a novel peptide called EVYR, made up of just four amino acids, is released during the process and could help regulate blood glucose levels. When we eat, our blood glucose level rises, prompting the pancreas to release insulin. Several proteins and enzymes are involved in this process. EVYR works by inhibiting an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), which breaks down hormones that stimulate insulin release. By inhibiting this enzyme, EVYR helps maintain the activity of the hormones and allows them to stimulate insulin release for longer. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the team also found that other red algae could also potentially release EVYR during digestion, based on comparisons of protein sequences across different species and computer simulations.   Experts Spent Decades Searching for the Secret to Happiness. Here’s What They Found Simon Fraser University (Canada), October 28, 2026 (SciTech Daily) Some of the world’s leading happiness researchers have changed how they live because of what they have discovered. After decades of studying well-being, several have made a conscious effort to spend more time with family and friends, reflecting one of the strongest findings in happiness science. Their insights come from a discussion involving 13 international experts with a combined 600 years of research experience. The key takeaways: Strong relationships are central to happiness. Social connections consistently emerge as powerful predictors of well-being. Several researchers have applied this finding by deliberately making more time for the people closest to them. More money does not guarantee greater happiness. Financial security helps support a good life, but additional income generally has a smaller effect on happiness once essential needs are met. Meaningful activities support well-being. Work and other pursuits can contribute to happiness when they provide purpose and reflect a person’s values. Daily habits can help cultivate happiness. Researchers described using strategies supported by scientific evidence, including practicing gratitude, savoring positive experiences, volunteering, strengthening relationships, and becoming more socially involved. Being happy does not mean always feeling good. Lasting well-being involves living according to personal values, building supportive connections, and adapting to difficulties rather than avoiding negative emotions altogether. The silent threat of sarcopenia: Why muscle loss demands immediate action Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, October 28 2026 (Natural News) A meta-analysis of 248 studies concluded that older adults may need to consume 0.4 to 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily to mitigate muscle loss or sarcopenia. For a 150-pound individual, this equates to 68–82 grams of protein. The review highlighted the role of leucine, an amino acid that stimulates muscle protein synthesis, and emphasized pairing protein intake with resistance training for optimal results. Meeting the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams per kilogram is no longer sufficient. Instead, older adults should aim for 1–1.2 grams per kilogram. Strength training combined with adequate protein is most effective for muscle preservation. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased muscle loss risk. The review found that daily supplementation of 800 IU or more improved muscle function in deficient individuals. Mediterranean-style diets show protective benefits against age-related muscle decline. These diets emphasize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and healthy fats like olive oil. Why permanent daylight saving time is a bad idea for health New York University, October 29 2026 (Futurity) In July, the House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent. But research shows that daylight saving time doesn’t actually save energy or increase productivity. Instead, sleep researchers agree that daylight standard time is more aligned with our biology. The later sunrise of daylight saving time “leads to permanent disruption of our natural biological rhythms. We need morning sunlight to get us up and going. Switching the clock in the spring comes with its own issues, including an increase in car accidents and heart attacks in the week that follows. Changing clock times is not good for us, but the bill now in the Senate would lock Americans out of sync with the sun. A brighter winter evening is a poor trade for a darker, groggier, unhealthier winter morning. Adventurous play linked to better physical and mental health in children University of Exeter (UK) & University of British Columbia, October 27 2026 (Medical Xpress) The biggest international study ever on risky play has found that children who have more opportunities for outdoor adventurous play tend to have better physical and mental health, as well as improved social and cognitive development. Their research found that when children have access to environments that support outdoor adventurous play, like creatively designed playgrounds and natural spaces, their health is better across these domains, too. The team also found that independent mobility (being able to go out without adult supervision) is good for children's levels of physical activity. Adventurous play—also referred to as risky play because children are allowed to take risks within certain boundaries—is thrilling, exciting play and includes examples such as riding a bike fast downhill, climbing a tree, paddling in a stream and play fighting. The categories defining adventurous/risky play are height, speed, getting lost, dangerous elements (water, fire, etc.), dangerous tools (e.g., using a hammer, whittling with a knife) and rough-and-tumble play. If we deny children the opportunity to engage in the sort of play that previous generations took for granted, we take away rich learning opportunities linked to children's health and development, ultimately affecting some of the key issues we see around us today. CLIPS    Why Women Who Have Everything Still See Themselves as Oppressed - 11:03    RFK Jr - RFK Jr.’s Latest MAHA Betrayal - 7:01 

CLIPS    ‘Paid off by Big Pharma’: Dr exposes Medical Journals’ ‘money laundering’ to cover up COVID Vax lies - Dr. James Thorpe - 5:00    Single Men Are Happier Than You Think Here is Why - Alice Talks 17:00  HEALTH NEWS Pomegranate extract, gut bacteria and the surprising source of skin elasticity Inside the narcissistic brain: fMRI research sheds light on the narcissist’s struggle with empathy Plant and animal proteins show opposite effects on testosterone levels Brisker walking tied to longer life More education reduces dementia risk decades later Pomegranate extract, gut bacteria and the surprising source of skin elasticity Centre Tecnologic de Catalunya (Spain), October 27 2026 (Natura News)   A 12-week study of pomegranate extract supplementation in 64 women showed improved skin elasticity and hydration—effects that appeared tied not to the fruit itself but to bacteria living in their digestive tracts. The results, published in a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study, add to a growing body of research connecting digestive health to skin function.   The trial tested 367 mg and 700 mg doses of Pomanox pomegranate extract. The 700 mg dose produced about 12 percent more improvement in elasticity   Pomegranate’s active plant compounds known as ellagitannins cannot be absorbed efficiently on their own during digestion. Instead, the large intestine must break them down into smaller molecules called urolithins, particularly urolithin A. Urine tests confirmed that 62 of the study participants saw urolithin A levels rise after supplementation, and those with the highest levels experienced the greatest improvement in skin elasticity.   On the skin, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus increased. These bacteria help maintain a balanced microbial environment and protect against pathogens. In the gut, both supplement doses boosted Prevotella, a group typically associated with a diet high in fiber, while the lower dose increased Akkermansia, a microbe linked with a healthy gut lining and reduced inflammation. Inside the narcissistic brain: fMRI research sheds light on the narcissist’s struggle with empathy Aalto University (Finland), October 26 2026 (Eurekalert)   Many people have narcissistic traits to some degree, for example, confidence in one’s own superiority, a sense of entitlement and a desire to be the centre of attention. However, some people present with notably higher narcissistic traits than others, and the neural basis of so-called ‘grandiose narcissism’ has rarely been studied in socially complex situations.     Neuroscience researchers used functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate how narcissistic traits influence brain activation in a situation mirroring everyday life. The findings showed that narcissistic brains were less in sync with one another during moments where people usually experience a sense of shared embarrassment.    People with a high number of narcissistic traits respond to another person’s vulnerable experience differently than others. People with a high level of narcissistic traits may not necessarily build supportive or genuine connections with others, which can lead to difficulties and misunderstandings in interaction.   In contrast, in brain areas associated with empathy, the activation of less narcissistic subjects was relatively similar across subjects, implying a more shared experience also at a neural level. The differences emerged in areas associated with interpreting social situations and with cognitive empathy. Plant and animal proteins show opposite effects on testosterone levels University of Eastern Finland, October 28 2026 (News-Medical) Higher animal protein intake was associated with lower blood testosterone levels, while higher plant protein intake was associated with higher levels. The findings were published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.   The study included 2,546 men aged 42-60 years and living in eastern Finland. Their dietary intake was assessed using four-day food records between 1984 and 1989, and concentrations of total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in blood samples. SHBG influences total testosterone concentrations in the blood. When the men were divided into four groups according to their protein intake, those with the highest animal protein intake had total testosterone concentrations that were, on average, 1.2 nmol/l lower than those of men with the lowest intake. The opposite association was observed for plant protein: those with the highest intake had concentrations 1.1 nmol/l higher than those of men with the lowest intake. Similar associations were also observed for SHBG concentrations.   More detailed analyses showed that higher dairy protein intake was associated with lower total testosterone and SHBG concentrations. Higher intake of plant protein from vegetables and sources other than cereal products was, in turn, associated with higher total testosterone concentrations. Meat protein intake was associated with lower SHBG concentrations but not with total testosterone concentrations. Brisker walking tied to longer life Norwegian University of Science and Technology, October 27 2026 (Medical Xpress)   In a new study, folks who walked at a brisker pace had a lower risk of an early death. Faster walking speed and more steps per minute are both associated with a lower risk of dying from any cause, researchers report in JAMA Network Open.   Walking speed and step rate were "consistently associated with all-cause mortality, even after adjustment for daily step count," the researchers wrote.   For the new study, researchers analyzed data for more than 4,000 British civil servants who are participating in a health research project established in the late 1980s. They averaged about 69 years of age at the time the study was done.   The study linked higher walking speeds to a 23% lower risk of death over the study period. A snappier step rate was tied to a 17% lower risk of death, the researchers said. Walking at a brisker pace suggests that you're living "with fewer chronic diseases and that whatever diseases you may have are more well managed. More education reduces dementia risk decades later University of Southern California & University of Wisconsin, October 26 2026 (Eurekalert)   A law that required British teenagers to stay in school for an additional year had an unexpected consequence nearly 50 years later: fewer dementia diagnoses.   Researchers studied a 1972 British compulsory-schooling reform that raised the minimum school-leaving age from 15 to 16. They found that the additional education resulting from the reform reduced diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias decades later.   The new study also uncovered a striking second finding: the reduction in dementia incidence happened even among people with high genetic susceptibility to the disease. The results suggest that education may be particularly protective for those at greatest inherited risk, challenging the idea that genetic risk is an unchangeable forecast of future health.   The study is believed to be the first to document a causal relationship between education and diagnosed dementia and to show that education can mitigate inherited risk of dementia.   More schooling could influence dementia through better job opportunities, higher income, more cognitively stimulating work, and changes in health and social circumstances. In the study, additional schooling also increased household income and reduced the incidence of stroke and heart attack.  

HEALTH NEWS   Scientists Discover That Eating Peanuts Every Day May Help Protect the Aging Brain Your dreams may be protecting you from 83 diseases, major new study finds Plastic tea bags are releasing BPA, plasticizers and up to 2,500 microplastic particles into your cup of tea Taurine helps regulate inflammation linked to aging, Yale study finds Study of 57,793 Adults in 24 Countries Links Varied Social Activity to Better Cognitive Scores   Scientists Discover That Eating Peanuts Every Day May Help Protect the Aging Brain Maastricht University Medical Center (Netherlands), October 27, 2026 (SciTech Daily) Peanuts may offer more than a convenient source of protein and healthy fats. New research suggests that eating them regularly could help the aging brain respond more effectively to insulin.The hormone insulin plays an important role in the brain, where it supports memory, learning, communication between nerve cells and other cognitive processes. As people age, the brain may become less responsive to insulin, which has been linked to age-related cognitive decliner. In a small clinical trial, researchers at Maastricht University Medical Center found that eating unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts daily for 16 weeks improved insulin responsiveness in brain regions involved in memory. The study was published in Food & Function. The trial included 31 healthy adults aged 60 to 75. Each participant completed a 16-week period of eating peanuts and a control period without them. During the peanut period, participants ate 60 grams (approximately two servings), or about 2.1 ounces, daily. They were instructed to consume the peanuts in the morning or afternoon. The changes in insulin responsiveness appeared in a cluster on the brain’s right side, encompassing parts of the lingual gyrus, hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, and posterior cingulate gyrus. These regions are involved in memory.   Earlier results  showed a 3.6% increase in global cerebral blood flow, which supplies the brain with oxygen and nutrients, alongside a 5.8% improvement in verbal memory.   Your dreams may be protecting you from 83 diseases, major new study finds Capital Medical University and Peking University (China), October 26 2026 (Natural News) More time in REM (rapid eye movement), or dream, sleep was linked to lower risk of 83 diseases in a study of 95,559 UK adults. About 48 extra minutes of REM sleep was tied to a 26% lower risk of heart failure, a 46% lower risk of dementia and an 80% lower risk of parkinsonism. Roughly 48 more minutes of it went along with an 11% drop in type 2 diabetes risk and a 14% drop in major depression risk.. Sleeping six to eight hours carried the lowest risk for 69 conditions, while under five hours raised risk for 37. A steady sleep schedule, skipping alcohol, morning light and magnesium-rich foods may help improve sleep naturally. More than eight hours didn’t offer extra protection. In fact, those logging more than eight hours were 60% more likely to develop major depression, though the authors note that oversleeping can itself be an early symptom of depression. Plastic tea bags are releasing BPA, plasticizers and up to 2,500 microplastic particles into your cup of tea Recep Tayyip Erdogan University (Turkey), October 26 2026 (Medical Xpress) Microplastics are now impossible to avoid. They have made their way into everything from agricultural soils to freshwater systems. So, it is unsurprising that they end up in most foods and drinks. One such example is the plastic tea bag. While many tea bags are still made of a cellulose material, some brands use a plastic mesh, despite the well-established fact that plastics can break down in hot water. Studies have reported particle release from tea bags, along with the migration of other plastic-related chemicals, such as phthalate esters (PAEs) and bisphenol A (BPA), which are added during production for increased flexibility, durability and thermal resistance. One study even reported that a single plastic tea bag releases billions of microplastic pieces at normal brewing temperatures. Now, a new study, published in npj Science of Food, has analyzed plastic tea bags from four different brands to break down their average microplastic release, the types of microplastics they contain and the PAE and BPA content in the average cup. The study compares tea brewed with plastic tea bags to bagless bulk tea. Plastic bags brewed for three minutes at approximately 95°C (203 degrees Fahrenheit) produced averages of between 555 and 2,498 microplastic particles per cup under the tested brewing conditions, with some brands producing significantly more than others.   Taurine helps regulate inflammation linked to aging, Yale study finds Yale School of Medicine, October 23 2026 (News-Medical)   In a new study published in Cell, researchers found that the amino acid taurine is key to the way the innate immune system senses danger signals. Even more, boosting taurine levels may diminish the effects of inflammaging. The researchers first became interested in taurine after finding that it increased as people restricted their calorie intake for up to one year. The team also found that moderate calorie restriction led to lower chronic inflammation-something that enhances healthy lifespan. But calorie restriction is not practical for most adults and there was little evidence as to whether taurine linked metabolism to the immune system. Taurine levels were expected to decrease with age because aging is associated with an increase in inflammation. They found that taurine actually increased with age. The finding was surprising and suggested that taurine does not drive aging. To find out if taurine plays a role in the NLRP3-mediated inflammation pathway, macrophages in a culture dish were challenged with various danger signals, including bacterial toxins. As the signals appeared, NLRP3 complexes began to assemble within the macrophages. Surprisingly, as the complexes were forming, macrophages released up to 80% of their taurine. Taurine itself allowed macrophages to sense all sorts of very different danger signals to initiate NLRP3 assembly. Restoring lost taurine back in cells stopped the downstream inflammatory responses initiated by the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome.     Study of 57,793 Adults in 24 Countries Links Varied Social Activity to Better Cognitive Scores Shandong Medical University (China), October 26 2026 (Natural News)   Participants were followed for a median of six years, and researchers assessed memory and other thinking skills and reported the results as cognitive scores, the report stated. The findings add to a body of research on lifestyle factors and cognitive aging. A 2026 Alzheimer's Association report found that nearly 9 in 10 American adults say maintaining brain health is very important, while only 9% say they know a lot about how to do it. A new international study explored how social engagement relates to cognitive health. Participants reported whether they took part in activities such as volunteering, sports clubs and classes. People who participated in social activities tended to have better cognitive outcomes over time than those who did not. Two activities stood out across all five survey groups: volunteering and sports club participation. Researchers said these experiences may keep the brain engaged and support cognitive reserve, described as the ability to cope with age-related changes and maintain function. CLIPS    Francesca Albanese Says Information Control and Media Complicity Help Sustain Genocide in Gaza - 7:30    James Corbett - RFK Jr’s latest Maha Betrayal - 7:30   

HEALTH NEWS   Study: Pomegranate-Derived Compound May Address Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Study finds lower rates of overweight among vegan-fed cats Researchers identify common nutritional supplement as potential treatment for psoriasis Vitamin C and Mistletoe Linked to Significantly Improved Survival in Breast Cancer Patients How everyday isolation is stealing our minds, landmark study reveals       Study: Pomegranate-Derived Compound May Address Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Kings College London, October 21 2026 (Natural News)     Researchers at King's College London have reported that urolithin A, a compound produced after gut bacteria digest foods including pomegranates, walnuts and berries, improved measures of heart function in animal models of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and in engineered human heart tissue.   A particular type of heart failure affects more than 3 million people. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction occurs when the heart still pumps blood but struggles to relax and properly fill. The study tested the compound in animals and in engineered human heart tissue. The compound activates a protein called PKGl?, which promotes relaxation of blood vessels and the heart muscle.   The compound also significantly improved heart function in human heart tissue engineered from stem cells, suggesting the effects in animal hearts could translate to humans. A separate account of the findings described the compound as improving heart function in animal models of HFpEF and in engineered human heart tissue.   Research has found that pomegranate polyphenols, like punicalagin, are metabolized by gut bacteria into urolithin A, a compound reported to reduce arterial plaque buildup and inflammation.   Study finds lower rates of overweight among vegan-fed cats Griffith University (Australia), October 26 2026 (Eurekalert) A large-scale survey has found cats fed vegan diets had lower rates of obesity and related health problems, than those fed conventional meat-based diets. An online survey analysed veterinary assessments of 1,305 cats fed either conventional meat-based (90%) or vegan (10%) diets for at least one year. After accounting for factorss, vegan-fed cats had 34% lower odds of being assessed as overweight. Overweight and obesity are common in domestic cats, with veterinary studies estimating that around 30–60% of cats are overweight or obese. Excess weight is associated with a range of health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, urinary tract disease and reduced quality of life.  Carers feeding cats vegan diets also reported lower rates of body weight-related disorders such as osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal and mobility problems.   Researchers identify common nutritional supplement as potential treatment for psoriasis State Key Laboratory of Biomedical Analysis (China), October 27 2026 (Eurekalert) Researchers in China have discovered that the vitamin B5 derivative pantethine limits the activity of immune cells that are key contributors to autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis. The study, to be published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), shows that pantethine prevents the development of psoriasis in mice and also helps alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis patients in a small-scale human trial. Dendritic cells are specialized immune cells that help to coordinate the different parts of the immune system. They can engulf and present foreign antigens to activate highly specific T cells, as well as secrete a variety of immune signaling molecules to recruit other types of immune cells and promote inflammation. Because of this central role in directing immune responses, aberrant activation of dendritic cells is thought to underlie a variety of autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis. The researchers found that the levels of metabolic enzymes known as Vanins are elevated in the dendritic cells of patients with psoriasis and several other autoimmune diseases. Depleting these enzymes inhibited dendritic cell activation and limited their ability to activate T cells. Vanin enzymes convert the metabolite pantethine into vitamin B5, an essential nutrient required for cellular energy production. Pantethine itself is a widely available nutritional supplement often used to lower blood cholesterol levels due to its ability to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. Intriguingly, cholesterol can promote the activation of dendritic cells, and high blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for the development of psoriasis. Pantethine administration effectively alleviated psoriasis in mice, suggesting that insufficient pantethine levels may be the crucial contributor to hyperactivation of dendritic cells and autoimmune inflammation following the up-regulation of Vanins,” Zhang says.   Vitamin C and Mistletoe Linked to Significantly Improved Survival in Breast Cancer Patients Yeom Chang Hwan Hospital (South Korea), October 26 2026 (Focal Points)   A new prospective cohort study published in Cancers followed 748 women with breast cancer for an average of 20.2 months and found that two natural-derived therapies were independently associated with substantially improved survival: MISTLETOE: 54% lower mortality risk (HR 0.463; p = 0.030). IV VITAMIN C: 44% lower mortality risk (HR 0.561; p = 0.045). Both associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for major clinical factors, including metastasis, chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and other complementary treatments. High-dose intravenous vitamin C was administered at 10–100 grams once or twice weekly, while mistletoe extract was administered through subcutaneous injections of 0.02–20 mg once or twice weekly. Treatment protocols required at least three months of therapy and more than 10 sessions. According to the study, high-dose intravenous vitamin C can achieve pharmacological concentrations that act as a pro-oxidant, generating hydrogen peroxide and inducing oxidative stress that may preferentially damage malignant cells. Vitamin C may also influence mitochondrial function, inflammatory signaling, and epigenetic regulation through DNA demethylation. Mistletoe extract may stimulate natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes, activate cancer-cell apoptosis (programmed cell death), and suppress VEGF signaling involved in tumor blood-vessel formation.   How everyday isolation is stealing our minds, landmark study reveals University of St Andrews (Scotland) & the Max Planck Institute (Germany), October 26 2026 (Natural News)     The research, which tracked over 30,000 Americans for nearly two decades, reveals that the objective absence of social contact—more than the subjective feeling of loneliness—acts as a powerful, independent force eroding mental sharpness.   The study concluded that a staggering 94% of isolation's damaging effect on cognition operates independently of the feeling of loneliness.   Modeling shows that moving someone from high to moderate isolation yields a measurable slowing of cognitive decline, a benefit consistent across gender, race and education.   The research adds decisive evidence that social isolation significantly increases dementia risk, making it a clear target for prevention efforts in the absence of a cure. Loneliness is an internal, emotional state—a feeling of distress about one's social connections. Social isolation is an external, measurable condition of having few connections. The data showed that many people who feel lonely are not actually isolated and crucially, many who are highly isolated do not report feeling lonely.

HEALTH NEWS     Meta-Analysis Links Daily Nut Intake to Lower Hypertension Risk Probiotics May Protect From Signs of Early Cognitive Decline, Clinical Trial Finds Late-Night Snacking Could Be Putting Your Liver at Risk Can drinking tea help protect against cardiovascular disease? US drinking water could contain double the reported PFAS levels, model estimates     Meta-Analysis Links Daily Nut Intake to Lower Hypertension Risk Imperial College London, October 19 2026 (Natural News)     A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that regular nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing hypertension, researchers said.   Participants who ate the most nuts had a 16% lower risk of high blood pressure compared with those who ate the least. Eating about a handful of nuts each day was associated with a 20% lower risk of developing hypertension, according to a new analysis. The largest reduction, 26%, appeared at about 30 grams per day compared with none, a level that aligns with several European and North American dietary guidelines.   The studies followed participants aged 18 to 87. The dose-response analysis indicated a curved relationship: benefit rose with intake and then leveled off, the researchers said. Eating far more than 30 grams daily did not appear to add much extra protection based on available data.   The studies followed participants aged 18 to 87. The dose-response analysis indicated a curved relationship: benefit rose with intake and then leveled off, the researchers said. Eating far more than 30 grams daily did not appear to add much extra protection based on available data.     The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking nut intake to cardiovascular benefits. tary guidelines that recommend nuts as part of a heart-healthy diet   Probiotics May Protect From Signs of Early Cognitive Decline, Clinical Trial Finds Chonnam National University Medical School (Korea), October 20 2026 (Science Alert) A rigorous new clinical trial has now found evidence that certain probiotic mixes may protect from some initial signs of cognitive decline. Among older adults with early cognitive impairment, taking a multistrain probiotic supplement daily for roughly six months resulted in a number of benefits.   Most notably, probiotic use compared to a placebo was associated with better scores on several cognitive tests, and it also led to a significant reduction in plasma levels of pTau181. This is a blood-based biomarker of Alzheimer's disease that measures levels of a phosphorylated form of tau protein in the blood, which can reflect Alzheimer's-related changes in the brain. Of the 100 participants originally randomized, 40 completed the 24-week probiotic intervention, while another 47 completed the placebo treatment. The probiotic given to participants consisted of three bacterial strains, including subspecies of Bifidobacterium animalis, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Levilactobacillus brevis.   Compared to those given a placebo, those who were given a daily probiotic supplement showed a significant reduction in plasma pTau181 by the end of the trial. After just 24 weeks, they also showed significantly better scores on a Clinical Dementia Rating system. After 24 weeks, changes to most inflammatory markers were generally modest. But one marker in particular, called IL-1β, declined to a greater extent in the probiotic group than the placebo group.   Late-Night Snacking Could Be Putting Your Liver at Risk Oregon Health & Science University, October 21, 2026 (SciTech Daily) Eating late at night may have consequences beyond weight gain and poor sleep. A major study lsuggests that regularly eating after dinner or close to bedtime is associated with a higher risk of liver disease. The findings, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, link late-night eating to two liver conditions: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (fatty liver disease) and cirrhosis. For the study, late-night eating was defined as consuming food after dinner or after bedtime. The research team examined information from self-reported dietary and lifestyle information from nearly 200,000 participants. The results revealed a notable association. Participants who reported eating late at night had rates of liver disease that were 20% to 30% higher than those who did not report the habit.   Can drinking tea help protect against cardiovascular disease? Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, October 21 2026 (Eurekalert)   In a Journal of Internal Medicine study, people who drank tea had a lower risk of vascular disease than non–tea drinkers. Among 485,934 adults in China followed for a median of 9.05 years, there were 14,863 cases of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, pulmonary heart disease, and peripheral artery disease. Regular tea consumption was linked with an 11% lower risk of experiencing these outcomes. The lowest risk was estimated at approximately 6–8 cups per day among weekly drinkers. Black tea showed more consistent inverse associations with vascular disease than green tea. Regarding strength, moderate-strength tea was associated with the lowest risk. Interestingly, “burning hot” tea was associated with an elevated risk of vascular disease. “Joint analyses showed that tea consumption, smoking status and physical were collectively associated with vascular risk, with the favourable combination of habitual tea consumption, non-current smoking and high physical activity associated with the lowest risk,” the authors wrote.   US drinking water could contain double the reported PFAS levels, model estimates Texas Christian University, October 25 2026 (Eurekalert)   Common ways of reporting perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—the man-made, so-called forever chemicals that pose environmental and health threats—could underestimate the concentration of PFAS in United States drinking water by as much as half, finds a study in the Cell Press journal Cell Reports Sustainability. Using a model based on data from across the country, the researchers estimate that by counting PFAS levels that fall below minimum reporting levels as zero, current reports capture only 44% of the average concentration of 25 PFAS in community water systems. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires public water systems to monitor the levels of 29 PFAS in drinking water. These chemicals can persist in the environment over a long time, and previous research has linked PFAS exposure to many health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental problems in children.   The EPA’s minimum reporting levels (MRLs) generally means a concentration that most laboratories can reliably measure and report, but it doesn’t suggest that the water tested is PFAS-free or that it’s safe. But these data points are often treated as zero when agencies and researchers summarize average PFAS levels in drinking water.   To investigate the PFAS values below the MRL, the team analyzed more than 1.8 million PFAS measurement records in the national dataset published by the EPA. They found that 98% of PFAS test results were below the MRL.  They found that treating below-limit results as zero captured only 44% of the average concentration of the 25 PFAS that the models estimated across 9,991 community water systems. The typical reports left out more than half of the estimated total.   The EPA has set legally enforceable limits covering six PFAS in drinking water, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), that have been linked to serious health problems. When counting below-limit results as zero, the national average concentration is about 2.6 nanograms per liter in drinking water for the six chemicals. But the team’s model estimates that, in reality, the average could be 5.2 nanograms per liter

HEALTH NEWS Flavonoid found in citrus slows lung cancer cell growth in lab tests Prenatal supplement linked to improved child cognition and social behavior Antibiotic use from childhood linked to higher odds of IBS in young adulthood Pure cranberry juice may help protect teeth from decay Smartphones are wrecking teens' sleep, study indicates   Flavonoid found in citrus slows lung cancer cell growth in lab tests Friedrich–Alexander University Erlangen–Nurnberg (Germany), October 20 2026 (Medical Xpress) Quercetin is found in citrus fruits, onions and buckwheat and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Now researchers at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen at Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) have investigated how the plant compound could help treat lung cancer. In the lab, experiments showed that quercetin slows the division of lung cancer cells and almost completely stops their migration. The results have appeared in the journal Cell Death Discovery. Quercetin led to the tumor cells dividing more slowly in the experiments. In one of the two types of lung cancer cells studied, the plant compound also reduced oxidative stress. This stress is caused by reactive oxygen compounds in cells and can lead to the development of cancer. Quercetin had a particularly pronounced effect on the migration of cancer cells—a key prerequisite for them to form metastases. The higher the quercetin dose, the fewer cancer cells migrated. At the highest dose, the migration almost completely stopped,. In the studied cancer cells, the amounts of EGFR and PD-L1 decreased. EGFR takes up growth signals and transmits them into the cell. PD-L1 can help cancer cells hide from the body's own immune defenses.\   Prenatal supplement linked to improved child cognition and social behavior University of Colorado, October 20 2026 (Medical Xpress) A nutritional supplement taken during pregnancy may support fetal brain development and improve children's cognitive performance and social behavior, according to new research from the University of Colorado. The randomized clinical trial, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, found that children whose mothers took phosphatidylcholine, a form of choline found naturally in foods, had fewer social withdrawal problems and scored higher on cognitive tests than children whose mothers received a placebo. This is the largest randomized clinical trial of prenatal choline supplementation ever conducted. What this study showed that we have not observed before was an increase in the overall IQ of about eight points when measured at age 4. That put significantly more children into the higher IQ percentile on the test we used. Researchers enrolled 206 pregnant women, randomly assigning them at 16 weeks of pregnancy to receive either 9,000 milligrams of phosphatidylcholine daily or a placebo until delivery. Researchers assessed children's behavior from 18 months to 4 years of age and measured cognitive performance at ages 3 and 4. Among children whose parents completed behavioral assessments, 4% in the supplement group had elevated social withdrawal problems, compared with 24% in the placebo group. These behaviors can include limited interest in other people, withdrawing from social activities and reduced eye contact. Children in the supplement group also scored an average of nearly eight points higher on standardized cognitive tests than children in the placebo group. Researchers also observed significantly fewer children with behavioral profiles and language difficulties commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder in the supplement group.   Antibiotic use from childhood linked to higher odds of IBS in young adulthood   University of Gothenburg (Sweden), October 19 2026 (Eurekalert) IBS is a common digestive disorder that affects more than 60 million people across Europe, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Whilst previous research has suggested a link between antibiotic use and IBS, evidence on whether childhood exposure is associated with IBS in adulthood remains inconsistent. Researchers analysed data from 2,853 participants in the population-based Swedish birth cohort. Antibiotic prescriptions were obtained from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, when participants were aged 9–11 years, until one year before IBS was assessed at age 24. The researchers examined whether participants had received antibiotics, the total number of prescriptions received, and the classes of antibiotics prescribed. At age 24, 10.0% of participants had IBS, of whom 79.4% were female. Antibiotic use was more common among those with IBS, with 87.8% having received antibiotics during the study period compared with 80.2% of those without IBS. After accounting for sex and family socioeconomic status, those who had received antibiotics had 1.5 times the odds of IBS (95% CI 1.0–2.2) compared with those who had not. The odds of IBS increased progressively with the number of antibiotic prescriptions. Compared with those who received no antibiotics, participants receiving one or two prescriptions had 1.3 times the odds of IBS, rising to 1.6 times (95% CI 1.0–2.4) with three to five prescriptions and 1.7 times (95% CI 1.1–2.6) with six or more. When individual antibiotic classes were examined, tetracyclines and cephalosporins remained significantly associated with higher odds of IBS after adjusting for sex and family socioeconomic status. Any use of tetracyclines was associated with 1.4 times (95% CI 1.1–1.8) the odds of IBS, while three or more prescriptions of cephalosporins were associated with 6.0 times the odds (95% CI 1.9–18.8).   Pure cranberry juice may help protect teeth from decay University of Illinois, Oct 21 2026 (News-Medical) Boil them, mash them, simmer them in a sauce. UIC College of Dentistry researchers found another reason to add these tart berries to your grocery cart: oral health. Medicinally speaking, cranberry juice is often used to ward off urinary tract infections. That’s because the crimson berries contain anti-inflammatory compounds called proanthocyanidins that unstick bacteria, like E. coli, from cells. 14 children and eight adults were randomly assigned to drink either unsweetened pure 100% cranberry juice, a cranberry juice cocktail containing 27% juice with added sugar, or water. On the morning of the study, participants arrived with a night’s worth of plaque buildup on their pearly whites. Thirty minutes later, the researchers collected plaque samples from the participants’ unswabbed teeth. They’d assess the beverages’ effects on these samples compared to those collected before the experiment. Sure enough, the plaque exposed to pure cranberry juice appeared to be growing more slowly than the unexposed samples. Swishing with pure cranberry juice was also linked to less acid production in both adults and children — a key factor for healthy enamel.   Smartphones are wrecking teens' sleep, study indicates Seattle Children's Research Institute, October 21 2026 (Medical Xpress) Teens who use their phones late into the evening suffer from delays in falling asleep, shorter total sleep time and sleep that's more restless and broken, researchers report in JAMA Pediatrics.   These findings suggest that reducing evening smartphone use, particularly after 10 p.m. and immediately before bedtime, may help improve sleep health in adolescents. For the study, researchers analyzed data on 425 kids with an average age of nearly 15 who were participating in an ongoing study of adolescent brain development. They gathered nearly 7,600 nights of data from the participants. Results showed that on nights when teens used their phone longer than their personal average after 10 p.m., they slept an average of 20 minutes less and fell asleep more than an hour (64 minutes) later. Teens glued to their phones also were more likely to wake up again within a half-hour after they nodded off, researchers said. There also was a dose effect, in that every extra minute of smartphone use past 10 p.m. above a teen's own average added to later sleep onset and reduced total sleep time, the study said.

HEALTH NEWS     Fermented tea kombucha shows promise in reducing depression-like behaviors, animal study reveals Brief self-care meditation delivers body confidence boost, study shows Researchers Discover What Reading for Pleasure May Be Doing to Your Brain Popular sports supplement may help shield the brain from damage linked to gut inflammation The Gut-Muscle Connection: Fermented Foods May Influence Muscles Via Gut, Review Says       Fermented tea kombucha shows promise in reducing depression-like behaviors, animal study reveals University of Minnesota, October 20 2026 (Natural News)     Researchers found kombucha consumption linked to fewer depression-like behaviors in mice across different diets.   The fermented tea altered gut bacteria composition, affecting pathways involved in tryptophan metabolism and serotonin production.   Behavioral benefits varied by diet type, with Western-diet mice showing additional anxiety reduction and brain chemistry changes.   Mice on standard diets experienced increased short-chain fatty acids, supporting gut barrier function.   Brief self-care meditation delivers body confidence boost, study shows La Trobe University (Australia), October 18 2026 (Eurekalert) A three-week online self-compassion meditation program can produce improvements in body appreciation and positive wellbeing, while reducing body dissatisfaction.   Australian adults who completed the self-compassion meditation training reported significantly increased body appreciation, positive wellbeing and lower self-judgement. The benefits were still evident six weeks after the program concluded and frequency of practice alone did not drive the size of change.   The randomised controlled trial, published in the journal Mindfulness, involved 227 people, aged 18 to 39 years. Participants in the intervention group undertook 20 minutes of daily self-compassion, while those in the control group remained on the waitlist.  Many body image interventions focus directly on appearance concerns, but the study found that simply encouraging people to treat themselves with greater kindness and understanding can improve how they feel about their bodies.  Fostering self-compassion, which encourages individuals to respond to personal difficulties with greater kindness and mindful awareness rather than harsh self-criticism, may be key to enhancing body appreciation rather than mindfulness practice alone.    Researchers Discover What Reading for Pleasure May Be Doing to Your Brain University of Cambridge, October 19, 2026 (Scitech Daily) Reading for pleasure may do far more than provide entertainment. A scientific review published in Psychological Medicine links the habit to better mental health, stronger cognitive abilities, and a lower risk of dementia. Research also suggests that reading is associated with measurable differences in brain structure, although scientists are still investigating whether reading directly causes these changes. Researchers from the University of Cambridge examined evidence spanning childhood through old age. Their findings suggest that reading for enjoyment, whether alone or with others, may support brain health in several ways, with some benefits potentially appearing after just a few minutes. Reading may also provide psychological benefits throughout adulthood. Surveys associate reading for enjoyment with lower stress, greater relaxation, stronger empathy, and more openness to different perspectives. In one survey, nearly two in five adults (38%) identified reading as their preferred way to unwind. A neuroscience study reported that just five minutes of reading fiction could reduce stress by up to 20%. The potential benefits of reading extend into later life, when preserving memory and thinking abilities becomes increasingly important. In a study of nearly 5,500 adults aged 55 and older, participants who frequently engaged in mentally stimulating activities, including reading, were significantly less likely to develop cognitive impairment during five years of follow-up.   Popular sports supplement may help shield the brain from damage linked to gut inflammation Universidad de Sevilla (Spain), October 15 2026 (Medical Xpress) The gut-brain axis is a two-way biochemical hotline, with messages zipping back and forth all day long. When the gut is chronically inflamed, inflammatory signals travel through the body to the brain and trigger neuroinflammation. The hippocampus, which governs memory, learning and mood, is especially vulnerable, so its disruption can affect how you think, remember and feel.   A recent study published in Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity investigated how chronic ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, impacts the brain and whether oral intake of creatine, a popular supplement in sports nutrition, can protect against brain damage. The researchers chemically induced chronic colitis in rats and observed their recovery with or without creatine. The creatine group received the supplement in drinking water, starting 10 days before colitis induction and continuing throughout the experiment. In rats given daily oral creatine, hippocampal creatine concentrations increased by 20%–30%, reaching normal levels in both sexes. In males, creatine prevented structural neuron loss, stopped electrical membrane leaks and normalized the neuron firing threshold.     The Gut-Muscle Connection: Fermented Foods May Influence Muscles Via Gut, Review Says Teagasc Food Research Centre & University College York (Ireland), October 19 2026 (Natural News)      A review published in the journal Communications Biology examines whether microbes in fermented foods influence muscle through the gut-muscle axis, which the paper describes as a two-way chemical communication network between the digestive tract and skeletal muscle. According to the paper, gut bacteria release byproducts that travel through the bloodstream and may influence muscle tissue, while exercise sends signals back that can alter the gut. The review describes this bidirectional network as the gut-muscle axis, or GMA. Skeletal muscle has a profound influence on metabolic health, functional capacity, and resilience across the lifespan, the review states [2].   The clinical stakes center on sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle, which is linked to frailty and loss of independence. Muscle also helps control blood sugar. The review cites a study linking one gut bacterium to muscle strength in people and lower levels of that bacterium in older adults. In mouse findings described in the review, front-leg grip strength improved, and muscle fibers changed when the bacterium was administered   Protein and exercise remain the established defenses, though older muscles respond less to protein. The review notes that beyond dietary protein and physical activity, the gut microbiome may have the capacity to impact skeletal muscle mass and function.   Fermented foods deliver these compounds directly, and some contain live microbes that interact with existing gut bacteria, according to the authors. The review states that fermentation modifies the nutritional and microbial characteristics of dietary protein in ways that may influence microbial metabolite production.